Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate Committee'
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NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions - 05/18/2026
Civil Service And Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions.
- Senator Cooney is not here at the moment. Senator Parker is here.
- The third bill is Senate Bill S7817A by Senator Besson.
- The fourth bill, Senate Bill S8006A by myself, Robert Jackson, the committee director will read the title
- The sixth bill, Senate Bill S-9350A, by Senator Zellman.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and 10 bills on the agenda. The committee considered measures affecting retirement and pension benefits, civil service rules, and public safety personnel, including bills to raise the mandatory retirement age for certain NYPD uniform members, provide a heart disease presumption for fire alarm dispatchers, authorize a widow to file a retirement option election, create an optional 25-year retirement plan for certain deputy sheriffs, and adjust retirement or disability benefits for specific individuals or groups.
The committee also advanced bills allowing named individuals to take civil service or police officer examinations and be placed on eligibility lists, and a bill prohibiting falsely impersonating an employee organization or representative. One bill concerned notification requirements for public employers before procuring or deploying new AI-related technology. Members asked a few clarifying questions, including the location of the Village of Leroy, but there was no substantive opposition recorded.
Most bills were approved unanimously, with reported votes of 7-0 and no abstentions or with recommendations. The committee reported several bills to the floor, others to the Finance Committee, and the AI notification bill to the Internet and Technology Committee. The chair then adjourned the meeting after noting there were no further speakers.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Helming, Senator Davo, Senator Fernandez, Gennardis, and Scoopis are all present.
- Moved by Senator Hartford, seconded by Senator Hamilton, seconded by Senator Helman.
- Moved by Senator Judy, seconded by Senator Dodd. Those in favor, signify by saying aye.
- The next bill on the agenda, Senate 938, by Senator Abel. Thank you.
- The next bill on the agenda, Senate 91815 by Senator Kruger. We miss you, Liz; get well.
Summary:
The committee met on Monday, May 18, 2026, for its final meeting of the year and considered a series of insurance-related bills. The chair thanked staff and the public for their work and input. Members present were noted at the start of the meeting. The agenda included measures on Medicaid and health care organizations purchasing experience and health insurance, utilization review determinations, disability benefits, discrimination based on mental health or substance use disorder, service contracts and accidental damage coverage, property rehabilitation protection, reproductive health care access funding, life insurance compliance and indexing provisions, and pet insurance.
Several bills were reported from committee after brief discussion and voice votes, including the bills on Medicaid/health care organization coverage, disability benefits, mental health and substance use discrimination, service contracts, life insurance compliance, and pet insurance. The utilization review bill was approved but referred to finance, the property rehabilitation protection bill was referred to consumer protection, and the reproductive health care access fund bill was also referred to finance. Some members were recorded as voting without recommendation or in the negative on certain measures, including Senators Helming, O'Mara, and Askey on the reproductive health care funding bill.
The meeting concluded with thanks to committee members and staff, and the chair announced that this completed the session’s agenda.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/18/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Reports of standing committees. Reports of select committees.
- Senator Gianaris: There will be an immediate meeting of the Rules Committee in Room 332.
- Senator Stewart-Cousins, from the Committee on Rules, reports the following bills: 10520, Senator Serrano
- Senator Serrano, do you yield? Yes. Senator yields.
- >> SENATOR, IS THERE A SCHEDULE FOR THE JOINT BUDGET CONFERENCE COMMITTEES TO MEET?
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a budget extender. Senator Serrano’s appropriation bill was recalled from the Assembly, reconsidered, amended, and sent through Rules to the floor. During debate, senators discussed the ongoing delay in finalizing the state budget, the 13th extender, school aid payments, the Yonkers school district payment, and unresolved issues such as Tier 6 retirement changes and other budget policy items. The extender was passed 57-2 after debate, with senators pressing for more transparency about the budget negotiations and the majority responding that those issues were not germane to the extender.
The chamber then recognized several resolutions and guests. Senators spoke in support of Resolution 1948 honoring New York State 4-H and its Capital Days participants, Resolution 2054 commemorating Italian American Day, and Resolution 1620 mourning Denis Michael Troy of Rockland County. The Italian American Day resolution drew extensive remarks from many senators about family histories, immigration, cultural contributions, scholarships, and community traditions, and the Senate welcomed honored guests from the Italian American community. The Rosalyn Yalow Charter School fencing team was also introduced, along with the family of Denis Troy.
The Senate then moved through a long calendar of bills, passing measures on public service, city administrative code, municipal law, correction law, criminal procedure, real property tax, education, social services, public health, executive law, parks, judiciary, and alcoholic beverage control, among others. Several members explained votes on bills related to ratepayer protection, hip-hop lyrics in criminal cases, sovereign nations and gaming compacts, and the Traveling with Dignity Act requiring adult changing stations in public facilities. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew notable negative votes. The Senate completed the calendar and adjourned until Tuesday, May 19, at 3:00 p.m.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Senate Committee on Cities 2. I am Senator Ryan, Chair of the committee.
- Also joined by staff members, David December, our counsel, and Senator Garcia Ryan, our committee clerk
- Senator Walczyk. Senator Fahey, that concludes our business. Cities 2 Committee.
- Senator Walczyk. Senator Fahey, that concludes our business. Cities 2 Committee.
- Senator Walczyk. Senator Fahey, that concludes our business. Cities 2 Committee.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Cities 2 met for its first and last meeting of the 2026 session, with Chair Senator Ryan presiding and members Walczyk, Fahey, and Baskin present. The committee took up three bills. The first, S.8283-A, would require additional notice before a city discontinues drinking water fluoridation; it was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. The second, S.8859, would extend by one year special bonding authority for the city of Yonkers. Senator Walczyk voiced concern about the repeated annual extensions and said he would vote no, arguing municipalities should address their finances without continued state assistance. The bill was then approved, with Walczyk recorded in opposition.
The third bill, S.9839, would extend by one year provisions related to the city of Buffalo’s issuance of certain bonds or notes. It was moved and seconded, and approved, with Senator Walczyk again noting his earlier concerns. After the three bills were reported, the committee adjourned.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs - 05/18/2026
Veterans, Homeland Security And Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to acknowledge Senator Ashby, our ranking member, who is here; Senator Harckham; Senator Serrano
- ; and Senator Weik.
- Thank you, Senator Addabbo. Second. Senator Sepp? Okay. All those in favor? Any opposed?
- Thank you, Senator Osama. Thank you. Senator Andrew. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed?
- Senator Addabbo, second. Thank you, Senator Harckham. All those in favor? Aye.
Summary:
The Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee held its fourth and final meeting on May 18 and considered a series of bills related to veterans services, emergency preparedness, and related state programs. Measures discussed included revising the New York State Veterans Memorial and Monument Registration process, recognizing military experience for institutional transfer credit, creating an insurance liaison on the Disaster Preparedness Commission, requiring DMV to share certain veteran information with the Department of Veterans Services, clarifying the alternative veterans exemption, and creating a veterans bill of rights. The committee also took up bills on home care information for veterans, eligibility for New York State veterans’ homes, opportunities for veteran and emerging businesses, the New York Emergency Responder Act, a report on coordinated services for veterans with service-connected disabilities, and a Women’s Veterans History Trail.
Members generally moved each bill without substantive debate, and the chair repeatedly called for motions and votes. Most measures were approved unanimously or without recorded opposition, with several reported to Finance, several to the floor, and others referred to other committees such as Higher Education, Health, or Finance depending on subject matter. The meeting concluded after the final bill was reported and the chair noted that it was the committee’s last meeting.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Procurement and Contracts - 05/18/2026
Procurement And Contracts
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Senate Committee on Procurement and Contracts.
- I'm Senator Jeremy Zellner, Chair of this committee.
- Senator Rhoads, aye. Senate Bill 63313 by Senator Sanders.
- Senate Bill 91-47, by Senator Sanders.
- Senate Bill 97-61 by Senator Mayor.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Procurement and Contracts met for its second meeting of the 2026 session, with Chair Jeremy Zellner noting a quorum and welcoming members. The committee took up a series of procurement- and contracting-related bills, including measures on reciprocal MWBE certification, liability and design professionals, minority and women participation in state contracts, waste diversion planning by state agencies, breaking public contracts into smaller sizes to increase small business participation, expanded construction mentorship opportunities, service-disabled veteran-owned business participation goals, and contract fee/requirements for agreements between state agencies and nonprofit organizations.
The discussion in the transcript was brief, with no substantive debate recorded. Members generally moved each bill and seconded the motions, and the chair called for votes. Most bills were reported out of committee either to the calendar or to finance, with members voting in favor and a few recorded as “without rec” or individual ayes noted. No bills were defeated.
At the end of the meeting, the chair reminded members to complete their voting sheets and then entertained a motion to adjourn. The committee approved adjournment and the meeting concluded.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Investigations and Government Operations - 05/18/2026
Investigations And Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Monday, May 18th, 2026, meeting of the Senate Committee on Investigations and Government
- I'm James Skoufis, chair of the committee, and we're joined by Senators Cleare, Bynoe, May, and Chan.
- We're also joined by Senator Thomas O'Mara. We're also joined by Senator Thomas O'Mara.
- Before we close, I want to thank the really hardworking staff of this committee.
- First and foremost, our committee clerk from my office, Joyce Andrea.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations met on May 18, 2026, with Chair James Skoufis and several senators present for what was described as the committee’s final meeting. The committee took up several bills, beginning with S.412, which was moved and then referred to finance. S.6905, sponsored by Senator Harkham, was discussed briefly; staff explained that it would allow a village to set closing hours different from the state’s current mandate, authority that counties already have. That bill was reported, with one member recorded as without recommendation.
The committee then approved and reported S.10-162, sponsored by Senator Ashby, and S.10-193, sponsored by Senator Bynoe, both amending the public officers law. S.10-193 was reported with one nay vote. S.10-266, sponsored by Senator Webb and amending the tax law, was also reported, with one nay and one without recommendation. The final bill, S.10-282, sponsored by Chair Skoufis and directing the Department of Taxation and Finance to create and implement an online program, was referred to finance.
Before adjournment, Chair Skoufis thanked the committee clerk and central staff for their work, noting that many were occupied with budget duties. The meeting then concluded with expressions of appreciation from members present.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee May 18th, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate committee has come to order. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us.
- Thank you, Madam Senator. I think this one... Thank you, Madam Senator.
- I think this might be my first time before this particular Senate committee. We're the best.
- The motion is due pass to the Senate floor. Senator Laird? Laird, aye. 5-2. The vote is 5-2.
- Committee.
Summary:
The Senate committee heard AB 1768, authored by Assembly Member Brian, which would allow Los Angeles County and Contra Costa County voters to consider a local sales tax increase to help replace health care and safety-net funding lost to federal cuts, including impacts tied to H.R. 1 and Medicaid reimbursement reductions. The author and supporters argued the bill simply gives local voters the authority to decide how to respond to clinic closures, staffing shortages, and projected losses affecting Medi-Cal, CalFresh, hospitals, and community health centers. Support came from the California Primary Care Association, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, California Professional Firefighters, SEIU California, Teamsters California, the California Federation of Labor Unions, electrical and pipe trades groups, AFSCME California, and Contra Costa County.
Opposition came from the cities of Glendale and Burbank, and several senators raised concerns that the measure would increase taxes and burden residents already facing high costs of living. Senator Seyarto argued the state should address its own spending and questioned whether the federal government was truly responsible for the funding shortfalls, while Senator Choi said the proposal would add to taxpayers’ burdens and could set a precedent for other local tax requests. Supporters responded that the bill does not impose a tax itself, but only permits county voters to decide whether to approve one.
Senator Arreguin moved the bill for a due pass recommendation to the Senate floor. The committee approved the motion on a 5-2 vote, with the bill passing out of committee and being placed on the Senate floor.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 18th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the Senate Environmental Quality Committee to the Senate for a vote.
- Welcome to the Senate Gallery. Senator Gallaud.
- Senate Bill 922 by Senator Laird and Aquilance Vehicles. Senator Laird, you are recognized.
- Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Senator.
- Senator Durazo, I believe you have a committee announcement for us. Yes, Mr. President.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and approval of the journals. A motion by Senator Strickland to withdraw SB 1035 from committee for a floor vote, described as a temporary gas tax suspension to lower gas prices, was debated procedurally and failed on a 22-aye, 22-no vote. The body then moved through Governor’s appointments, confirming Siva Gunda to the California Energy Commission, Tony Sertich as Executive Director of the California Housing and Finance Agency, and Craig Snellings to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The Senate also adopted several commemorative resolutions. SCR 151 designated May 2026 as ACL Injury Awareness Month; SR 105 declared May as National Tennis Month; SCR 175 recognized Behavioral Health Awareness Month; SCR 176 designated Small Business Month; and SCR 178 recognized Jewish American Heritage Month. These measures drew extensive floor remarks, especially SCR 178, with senators from multiple caucuses speaking about Jewish history, contributions, diversity, and the need to oppose anti-Semitism and hate. All of these resolutions passed, with SCR 178 adopted 38-0.
The chamber then considered a series of policy bills, many of which passed with broad support. Measures approved included SB 922 on local cost recovery for street damage from public service operations, SB 932 on litigation transparency, SB 971 on older adult community connections, SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1228 on certain existing outdoor advertising displays in former redevelopment areas, SB 997 on groundwater agency authority, SB 1115 on reforming the Tulare County Public Cemetery District, SB 1088 on advance care planning forms, SB 1242 on family participation in CARE Court, SB 1364 on parental rights in rape-related child custody cases, SB 993 on protecting mental health professionals’ identifying information, SB 1094 on prescription drug biosimilar use, SB 1117 on ADU fee calculations, SB 1244 on broker compensation disclosures for public agency health plans, SB 1315 on autonomous vehicles, SB 1398 on Green Globes building certification, SB 1085 on water supply assessments for large projects, and SB 1316 on wage theft and labor enforcement. SB 1177 on high-speed rail reporting drew opposition from Senator Strickland, who argued the project should be ended, but the bill still passed after debate. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of SB 1146, which would require disclosures for AI-generated health advertisements.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Meeting: Senate Committee and House Committee on Capital Investment - 05/17/26
Transcript Highlights:
- First, I want to thank our Senate Bonding Committee members: Senator Nelson, Senator Rasmussen, Senator
- First, I want to thank our Senate First, I want to thank our Senate Bonding<00:28:40.840>
Committee - <00:28:41.200>
members, <00:28:41.920>um <00:28:42.200>Senator Bonding Committee - members, um Senator Bonding Committee members, um Senator Nelson,<00:28:43.080>
Senator <00:28 and <00:28:47.720>Senator Dziedzic, Senator Kunesh, and Senator Dziedzic, Senator Kunesh
Summary:
The committee took up a large bonding bill and reviewed the final spreadsheet of capital investments. Chairs and members repeatedly thanked staff, House and Senate negotiators, and the Governor’s team for a collaborative process. The bill was described as a statewide package rather than a partisan one, with major funding for higher education asset preservation, DNR projects, public safety, transportation, the Met Council, veterans facilities, corrections, DEED/local projects, and a large water infrastructure section.
House Fiscal staff and Senate fiscal staff walked through the bill line by line. Highlights included University of Minnesota and Minnesota State asset preservation, education and language immersion school funding, DNR trail and flood mitigation projects, public safety facilities, local road and bridge grants, Met Council parks and I/I grants, veterans home and armory funding, corrections projects including the Faribault vocational expansion, and many local economic development and public facility projects across Greater Minnesota and the metro. The bill also included Public Facilities Authority water and wastewater grants, housing rehabilitation funding, historical society grants, a Minnesota Zoo operating transfer, airport appropriations, and several cancellations of prior appropriations to help finance the package.
Members generally praised the bill and the bipartisan work behind it. Some Republicans emphasized the one-time license fee reduction and affordability, while also saying DEED’s business development infrastructure funding was too low. Senator Nelson highlighted long-awaited transportation projects such as Highway 14 and township roads. Senator Dibble supported the transportation investments but criticized the bill for having no transit funding, calling that a major omission. No vote was recorded in the excerpt, but the discussion centered on final review and support for moving the bonding bill forward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 2 - 05/17/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of a conference committee on Senate File 2077 and the re-reference of said bill to that committee for
- And the third article is Senator Duckworth's amendment that was adopted by the Education Policy Committee
- And the third article, Senator Duckworth's amendment that was adopted by the Education Policy Committee
- a committee member and Senator Swisinski's committee is he starts every committee with a on this day
- >
Senator <00:45:19.040>Senator Senator Rasmmanson and Senator Senator Senator Rasmmanson
Summary:
The Senate first received a House message reappointing a conference committee on Senate File 2077, the environment and natural resources appropriations bill, and took no further action on that message. The chamber then moved through motions and resolutions, including a failed attempt to suspend the rules to make House File 4102 a special order for immediate consideration. Senator Howe argued the bill was urgent because it would extend a study on state law enforcement pay and help address State Patrol recruitment and retention, while Senator Friends opposed suspending the rules; the motion failed on a roll call vote, 35 ayes to 32 nays.
The Senate then took House File 3629 from the table, made it a special order, and adopted the A5 amendment. The bill, relating to grants management and the Department of Administration, was described as refining agency authority over exemptions, adding reporting requirements, expanding whistleblower protections, and broadening fraud-prevention tools. The A5 amendment added stronger payment-withholding authority for agencies based on credible allegations of fraud, removed the 60-day withholding limit, allowed cross-agency withholding in some cases, replaced court appeal with agency reconsideration, made the authority permanent, and added a reporting requirement for DHS and DCYF inspector general activity. Supporters said it would improve transparency and protect taxpayers; the bill then passed final roll call 67-0.
Finally, the Senate took up House File 4492, which was amended with the A4 delete-everything amendment. The new version combined three articles: READ Act provisions, a veterans diploma provision, and early literacy field-experience changes. Senators described the veterans section as requiring school districts to award diplomas to veterans who left high school to serve in the Korean or Vietnam Wars, and the READ Act and literacy provisions as aligning teacher preparation and early literacy instruction with state standards. Members also discussed school discipline and classroom safety issues in the course of debate. The bill was then read for final passage, with senators speaking in support of the combined package and its education and veterans provisions.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Taxes Committee will come to order. It is Sunday, May 17th, at 8:20 p.m.
- . committee. committee.
- And those articles are the same as were passed in committee in the Senate omnibus bill.
- It's been great to be on this committee. Senator Reschke. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- senator, but coming in as a first-year to be placed in the Taxes Committee was a true honor, but also
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 3 - 05/17/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Klein, inclusion of the changes to our pet shops, was offered by a member of the Senate conference committee
- Senate File 2077 be adopted and the bill be repassed as amended by the conference committee. Sen.
- I move the foregoing recommendations and a conference committee report on Senate File 4612 now adopted
- I return to Senate floor. We are on adoption of the committee report. Mr.
- and Senate File 2077 and repassed said bill in accordance with report of the committee so adopted.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/17/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- conference committee on the part of the Senate to act with a like conference committee to be appointed
- The Senate is now in recess for the purpose of bringing forth conference committee members.
- Senator Murphy from the subcommittee on conference committees recommends that the following senators
- be and they hereby are appointed as a conference committee on Senate File 2077: Senators Her, Putnam,
- committee on Senate file number 2077. committee on Senate file number 2077.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Muhammad, you have a bill up, Senate File 4400. I do. I do. Mr.
- Senator, do you want to move your A1? Yes, sir. So Senator Muhammad moves the A1 amendment.
- Um Um Um Senator<00:02:44.000>
Muhammad Senator Muhammad Senator Muhammad any<00:02:45.480> - Senator Muhammad any Bill passed.
- Senator, well, will this be your last chairing of this committee in your career? It will. It will.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 2 - 05/16/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd just like to thank the staff, all the Senate staff, the researchers, the interns, my previous committee
- Senator Carlson votes I. >> Senator Carlson votes I. >> Senator Herr votes I. >> Senator Herr votes I
- . >> Senator Kuipers votes I. >> Senator Kuipers votes I. >> Senator Hoffman votes I. >> Senator Hoffman
- Um, Senator Her votes I. Senator Her votes I. Senator Kuunis votes I. Senator Kuunis votes I.
- Senator Marty votes I. Senator Fateh votes I. Senator Fateh votes I. Senator Muhammad votes I.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Photos from the Minnesota Senate - Volume 12, 2026 May 16th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 3 - 05/16/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:47:29.760>
Senator to the conference committee. Senator to the conference committee. - committee will defend said Senate committee will defend said Senate position. position. position
- senators uh judiciary committee members senators uh judiciary committee members senators Clark<03
- ,<03:41:02.640>
Senator transportation committee, Senator transportation committee, Senator - <03:46:04.960>
number committee report for Senate file number committee report for Senate
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/16/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I would ask for a call of the Senate. The Senate is now under call. Sen. Kupec: Mr.
- Members, before we go to the Senate agenda, I...
- Xiong be added as co-author to Senate File 4889.
- Members, Senate Resolution Number 88 through 96 will be referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration
- The Senate is... THE RECESS IN THE CAUCUS ROOM.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Advancing Gun and School Safety Measures | Senator Zaynab Mohamed May 15th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator, thank you for being here. Thank you so much for having me.
- Well, what they do doesn't take away what you guys did in the Senate.
- The House is the Senate. We passed it.
- You've called guys did in the Senate.
- They have seen the bill pass in the Senate.
Summary:
The conversation focused on a Minnesota Senate gun violence prevention package that had recently passed the Senate. The senator said the effort began in 2023 with red flag laws and was later expanded into a broader, “holistic” approach after the Annunciation church shooting, with input from families affected by the tragedy, especially the parents of Harper Moyski. The package was described as combining gun restrictions with mental health and school safety measures.
The main provisions discussed were a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, a re-ban on binary triggers, a ban on ghost guns, funding for mental health services including mobile crisis and health care professionals, and school safety aid for both public and private schools. The senator said the package reflected concerns raised by families, advocates, and members from both parties, and argued that it included items Republicans had requested, such as school safety aid and mental health funding.
The senator said the Senate vote was historic because it was the first time the chamber passed an assault-weapons and high-capacity-magazine ban, and the first time such a comprehensive package had been assembled. The vote was described as party-line, with disappointment that no Republicans supported it. The senator said the House should take up the bill next, criticized House Republican leaders for not bringing it forward, and urged them to at least allow a vote. The senator also argued that the measure does not take away constitutional rights and said public support for the package is strong, including in so-called purple districts.